A Trip Down Memory Lane

I had planned to share my new front door decor, but alas, like many residents of the MS Gulf Coast, all  loose outside objects have been secured as we await the arrival of Hurricane Isaac. Instead, I thought I would share with you a set of my favorite dinnerware.  I began collecting Memory Lane ironstone many years ago, but my love of the pattern began when I was just a little girl.  My Grandma Mercer had one dinner plate.  I imagine that she picked it up either in a box of laundry soap or as a reward for shopping at the IGA of Chattahoochee, Florida.  I came to love her one plate.  My grandmother would make sure that my food was served on that plate no matter what other dinnerware pattern was set on her table!  When she passed away, I was blessed to receive her dining room set which included a lovely buffet with glass knobs along with the matching table and chairs.  I also received my Memory Lane plate.

During my search for more pattern pieces, I found out that Memory Lane is considered a transferware pattern and was made in the 1960's by the Royal Ironstone Company.  Transferware is highly collectable.  You may see patterns consisting of two-tone colors such as blue and white and red and white.  The Memory Lane pattern consists of a cream color background with a pink/red hue of acorn and leaves around the edging with different scenes in the middle reminiscent of Currier and Ives. It looks terrific paired with toile fabrics. 

My collection has grown from one dinner plate to...
13-  Dinner Plates
9-    Berry Bowls
3-    Soup Bowls
6-    Bread and Butter
3-    Salad Plates
13-  Cups and Saucers
1-    Sugar and Creamer Set
1-    Cake Plate
1-    Casserole Dish

It is fitting that the pattern is called Memory Lane as it evokes many memories of special times spent at my grandmother's table. I wonder what she would think of my treasure! What is your favorite dinnerware setting for your table?